And now, as a part of a consultation – just two weeks before bonfire night – Islanders are being asked if they think the use of pyrotechnics should be limited at night or if it should be a requirement for some displays to need a licence.
Last year a petition was launched calling for fireworks to only be sold or supplied in Jersey for licensed displays. The petition attracted 1,521 signatures and raised concerns about distress caused to animals and damage to people’s property.
Home Affairs Minister Len Norman said that he has received ‘numerous requests’ from members of the public to put tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks.
‘These have primarily sought greater regulation around the operation of firework displays in order to reduce distress that is sometimes caused to people and animals,’ he said. ‘Equally, representations have been made to me asking that any future regulation is kept to a minimum and as close to the present arrangements as is possible.
‘We therefore need to seek a position that accommodates, as far as is possible, the range of views presented, in order to reach a workable, practical compromise.’
According to the consultation, the proposed regulations suggest only allowing the sale of fireworks on certain days, such as Liberation Day, Chinese New Year, Diwali and the three days preceding them. Other proposed dates include between 21 October and 10 November and between 26 and 31 December.
There are also proposals which include stopping people setting off fireworks after 1am on New Year’s Day and midnight on bonfire night.
More information and a link to the consultation survey is available by visiting gov.je/government/consultations.
The government’s strategic policy team along with the Fire and Rescue Service will be holding two drop-in sessions for members of the public to ask any questions about the draft regulations.
These are due to take place on 27 November between 12pm and 2pm and on 3 December between 6pm and 7.30pm. A location for these events has not yet been arranged and is due to be confirmed in due course.
